Rope-making machine



June 29 1926,

s. s. GUNDERSON ROPE MAKING MACHINE' Filed June 2. 1925 nwnlor C (5. fake/er- 00/;

i atented June 29, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROPE-MAKING- MACHINE.

Application filed June 2, 1925. Serial No. 34,399.

This invention relates to an improved machine for making rope and cable wherein the strands are twisted about each other in order to dispose them in intertwisted spiral relation.

The invention has been devised with a view toward providing a mechanism which is such as to permit the intertwisted strands to be bound together tightly to provide an exceedingly hard rope capable of withstanding considerable wear and tear.

The result stated is accomplished by a structure wherein both ends of the strands are firmly held so that they may be maintained under taut longitudinal tension during the twisting operation, whereby to prevent buckling and doubling.

More particularly, one feature is a secure- 1y anchored vertical board carrying a plurality of rotatable hooks to which the looped ends of the strands are connected, together with the single rotary device for simultaneously rotating all of the hooks.

The rotary device is characterized by the presence of a single plate to which the cranks of the hooks are connected. This plate being connected, through the medium of a central crank to the vertical board so that an exceedingly powerful leverage is obtained, making turningof the device exceedingly easy and imparting continuous rotation to the hooks.

The means for anchoring the relatively stationary ends of the bands is also important and the particular construction thereof together with other details will become apparent from the following description and drawing. 7

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vertical board upon which the twisting hooks are mounted. a

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the same showing the rotary hook turningdevice.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevation of said device. 1

Figured is, a detail view showing the means provided for anchoring the relatively stationary ends of the strands used in the,

formation of the complete stroke.

Referring to the drawings in detail the reference character 1 designates a vertical board of an appropriate size which is fastprops 4, the latter being preferably in the form of rods having pointed lower ends to dig into the floor. This affords a very substantial support which is not liable to be pulled over during the twisting of comparatively heavy rope. It is moreover exceedingly advantageous where heavy and very long ropes are being formed and where it is necessary to place the same under considerable longitudinal tension. Mounted on the front of the board at predetermined spaced points are four hooks, 5, the shanks of which extend through openings formed in the board. Crank arms 6 are connected to these shanks on the rear side of the board. The horizontal portions of these crank arms are in turn connected to the corners of a substantially square plate 7. Obviously, the plate is rotated through a'predetermined path for imparting simultaneous rotation to the cranks 6 and the hooks 5 with which they are connected. The rotary plate 7 1S pivotally connected with the board 1 so that it and the hooks all swing or move about a common axis. To this end it will be seen, in dotted lines in Figure 2, that the laterally directed end of a link 8 is connected with the center of the plate and that an angularly disposed handle is fixed connected to this end, the handle being designated by the reference character 9. At the top of the link 8 is'a forward extension which passes through an opening in the board 1 and carries a retaining nut 10. This link and two extensions constitutes a crank for connecting the plate with the board. Rotation of the handle serves to swing the crank about its anchored pivot on the board and in turn exerts a thrust upon the central bearing opening in the plate 7 to swing the plate through a circle which in turn revolves the cranks 6 and hooks 5. This is believed to be a new mechanical movement in this particular art, and one that provides an eflicient leverage resulting in constant rotation of the hooks and the easy movement of the plate.

Obviously, since the looped ends of the strands 11 of the rope forming material are connected with the hooks 5, when the latter are rotated, the strands are twisted 1n the conventional way. In this connection, the usual guide member 12 is used.

Referring now to the means employed for anchoring the opposite ends of the strands of the rope, attention is directed to Figure wherein it will be seen that the reference character 13 designates an exceedingly heavy weight and I l reoresents a suitable swivel including an eye bolt 15. A frame 16 is employed, and the ends of the strands are connected to this frame, the same being in turn provided with a hook 17 adapted to be detachably connected with the sw1veled eye bolt 15.

In practice, the anchoring weight is placed upon the floor, or the like, to place the strands 11 on the longitudinal tension. Twisting of the anchored ends of the strands is prex 'ented by the presence of the sw vel connection. Now, the plate 7 is rotated in a well known manner and the several hooks 5 are simultaneously turned to wind the strands about each other in the customary manner. T he guide 12 is employed and ma nipulated in the ordinary manner. Undoubtedly, persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the same from the dscription and drawing. Furthermore, it is believed that the structural distinctions and advantages favoring this invention will undoubtedly be appreciated after a'careful analysis of the invention is made. In this connection, I would dir ct attention to the fact that I am well aware of the fact that it is not new to provide a plurality, either three or four, of hooks over which the looped ends of the strands are placed, and to provide a single rotating plate for actuatin these hooks about their axes. It is believed to be novel however to positively connect the rotary plate with the supporting member, such as the board 1 in the present instance, and to cause it to move about this predetermined axis to afford a powerful leverage, and the consequent rapid and incessant turning of the hooks without a hitch. In patented devices with which I am familiar there is an outstanding jerking action produced by the movement of the plate connected with the hooks in the ordinary way.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described it is to be understood that minor changes coming Within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

l. A rope making machine comprising asupport, a plurality of hooks rotatably mounted upon said support and adapted for reception of the looped ends of the strands, a rotary plate disposed in spaced parallelism with one side of the support, cranks connectlng said rotary plate with the shanks of said hooks, and a crank interposed between and connected with said plate and support.

2. In a rope making machine of the class described, a vertical supportingboard, anchoring brackets therefor, a plurality of rope hooks rotatably mounted upon said oard, means for rotating the hooks, a cross bar at the top of said board, depending props connected at their upper ends to said bar and adapted to have their lower ends rested upon a floor, an anchoring weight, means with which the strands of the rope are adapted to be connected, said means being swivelly connected with said weight.

3. A rope making machine of the class described, a vertical supporting board, anchoring brackets therefor, a plurality of hooks rotatably mounted upon said board, a cross bar carried by the top of the board, depending props connected with the ends of said cross bar and adapted to bear against a floor, a rotary plate disposed in spaced parallelism with one side of the board, a crank intcrposed between and connected with the center of said plate and said board, a handle connected with said plate, and crank interposed between and connected with the shanks of said hooks, and the corner portions of said plate.

i. A rope making machine of the class described comprising a stationary vertical support, a plurality of hooks rotatably mounted on the support, the shank of the respective hooks extending through the support, a plate disposed in parallel spaced relation with respect to the support, a series of crank levers carried by said plate and arranged at predetermined position, said crank levers being adapted for connection with the shank of the respective hooks, and a pivotal connection between the plate and the support comprising a crank lever, one end thereof extending through the center of the plate, the other end extending through the support, and a handle secured on the end of the crank lever which extends through the center of the plate.

In testimony whereof I affix my signaare. L GILBERT s. eunnnnson. 

